Wagakki Band will provide the ending theme song for the upcoming kabuki play adaptation of manga series Naruto which will be performed in Tokyo at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre this August. It was announced back in April that the band would perform a song for the play, but new details have been revealed. The song is titled Hikari no Naka de (‘In the Light’).
Naruto was first serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who trains in the art of ninjitsu, who must take out his enemies, and who ultimately aspires to be Hokage, the leader of the village. The series has brought in fans across the globe, with well over 220 million copies sold in over 40 countries outside Japan. Kabuki actors Bandou Minosuke and Hayato Nakamura will play the roles of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha respectively.
Comment by Yuko Suzuhana (Wagakki Band Vocalist):
“Collaborating with kabuki theater is something I’ve really wanted to do so we are extremely honoured that they called out to us. They said that Wagakki Band’s sound was necessary for the play, so our mutual love was realised. We wrote this new song for the production as [they said] it was something only we can do. I believe it’s a very bright and piercing song compared to the recent Wagakki Band. The composition and lyrics were written by our guitarist Machiya. He’s a fan of Naruto, so much so that he’s watched it 3 times. The song is packed with words like ‘hope’ and ‘light’ which align with the story’s final arc which rang together really well in our heads with the music when we were writing it. We also tried some new songs, like having multiple choruses. There’s also less sounds in the ensemble than we’ve ever had to bring more of a balance. I hope people enjoy this unique fusion of kabuki and Wagakki Band which has never been seen before.”
We look forward to hearing what kind of song Wagakki Band has in store for the play.
■Information
“Naruto” Kabuki Play
Running: August 4, 2018 – August 27, 2018
Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Script: G2
Location: Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre, Tokyo
Official Play Website: http://naruto-kabuki.com/
Wagakki Band Official Website: http://wagakkiband.jp
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Fuji-Q Highland’s Hidden Leaf Village Theme Park Area Adds New Photo Spots
08.December.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park in Yamanashi, Japan, added new photo spots to its popular Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village area on Friday (December 4).
The new spots
New statues of Jiraiya, Tsunade, Gaara, and Itachi have been placed around the park, making the perfect for a photo opportunity and to make guests feel even more like they’re in the world of Naruto.
A new Gaara-inspired ramen dish
¥1,180 (Tax Included)
The area is home to Ramen Ichiraku which is inspired by the ramen bar seen in the Naruto series. There, they have cooked up a new ramen dish inspired by Gaara which comes with a boiled egg with the kanji for ‘love’ (愛) that’s written on the character’s forehead.
Naruto themed hotel rooms at Highland Resort Hotel & Spa
Fuji-Q Highland’s official hotel, Highland Resort Hotel & Spa, has its own special Naruto-themed rooms with references to shinobi and the Hidden Leaf Village dotted everywhere. A new batch of amenities are also set to roll out for guests from February 1, 2021 which will include yukata that dress you like Naruto and Sasuke, face towels with Naruto and Sasuke on them during their final battle, and more.
If you’ve always wanted to feel like you’re in the world of Naruto, look no further than Fuji-Q Highland.
ⓒ岸本斉史 スコット/集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ
Information
Fuji-Q Highland Naruto x Boruto Hidden Leaf Village
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: [2020] December 10th / [2021] January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Official Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/Shinobi Japanese Ninja Suite Room NARUTO
Capacity: 4 People (¥6,000 for each additional person up to 6 people)
Book: https://www.highlandresort.co.jp/
*Booking comes with amenities -
Watch Gifu Prefecture’s ‘Jikabuki’ Local Kabuki Theatre Plays On YouTube
07.December.2020 | MOVIE
As part of this year’s Gifu, Land of Clear Waters Ji-Kabuki All-Star Performance 2020, Gifu Prefecture has posted a special commentary video over on the official YouTube channel of Gifu Seiryu Bunka Plaza which combines footage from two local kabuki plays held this year.
The local kabuki of Gifu
Japan is home to 200 jikabuki, or ‘local kabuki,’ preservation organisations, 30 of which can be found in Gifu Prefecture. Gifu is one of the most active regions for jikabuki in the whole of Japan. The prefecture also has 9 historical shibai-goyas, or playhouses, some of which are over 100 years old.
Gifu, Land of Clear Waters Ji-Kabuki All-Star Performance 2020
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx_NJKW7JOicMjhzfqBC1hQ
Gifu Seiryu Bunka Plaza made the decision to postpone the 11 jikabuki performances that were scheduled to take place January to July 2020 this year. They are being rescheduled for 2021, so for now people can enjoy the content over on their official YouTube channel.
Information
Gifu Seiryu Plaza
Official Website: https://www.seiryu-plaza.jp/Gifu Jikabuki
Official Website (English): https://www.jikabuki-gifu.com/
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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Collaborates With Kyoto’s Famous Kabuki Theatre Minami-za
21.October.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Minami-za, one of the most respected kabuki theatres in Japan, has announced a special exhibition in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will run from November 6 to 23.
Minami-za is the oldest theatre in Japan and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The Demon Slayer exhibition will feature displays, decorations, and a range of exclusive merchandise.
Lobby Exhibit
Fans will find a range of character boards displayed at the entrance lobby to Minami-za with the characters donning traditional kabuki attire.
Special Stage Photo Spots
Cut-outs of the main cast of characters will be displayed on stage. People will be able to stand up on stage and take photos with the characters in this unique collaboration with kabuki.
Signboard
An original signboard will be displayed at the entrance to Minami-za.
Free Bonus Items
All customers who visit the theatre will receive one of these 18 possible coasters for free.
Merchandise
Those who hold a ticket to the event will be able to purchase a selection of original merchandise at the theatre. The items will also be sold online at Shochiku Kabuki-ya Honpo.
Teabags (4 Flavours) | ¥800 (Tax Included)
Special teabags will also be sold at the Tokyo and Kobikicho Square branches of Shochiku Kabuki-ya Honpo as well as their online website between October 21 and 23.
Tickets to the event are available via Lawson in Japan.
©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable
Information
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba x Minami-za
Location: Minami-za (Hashihigashizumecho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto)
Running: November 6, 2020 – November 23, 2020 (Closed November 9 and 16)
[Tue-Thur] 15:00-20:00 (Last Entries 19:00)[Fri-Sun] 10:00-20:00 (Last Entries 19:00)
Tickets: https://l-tike.com/kabukimetsu_minamiza/
Official Website: https://www.kabukimetsu.com/ -
Watch Legendary Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Ebizo XI Perform at Tomioka Silk Mill Online
10.October.2020 | SPOT
Japanese kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo XI, the eleventh holder of the famous Ebizo name, is set to perform at Tomioka Silk Mill, one of Japan’s World Heritage Sites, and it will be streamed online.
Tomioka Silk Mill is the oldest modern silk reeling factory in Japan. Ichikawa Ebizo XI will perform two kabuki plays there: the long-celebrated Kotobuki Shiki Sanbaso and Ebizo’s famous piece Otokodate Hana no Yoshiwara.
This is a special one-night-only opportunity to see a legendary perform at such historical location.
Information
Ichikawa Ebizo XI at Tomioka Silk Mill
Date: October 26, 2020Venue Tickets: https://www.sap-co.jp/events/tomioka-kabuki-2020/
Online Tickets: https://eplus.jp/tomioka-kabuki/
Details: https://www.sap-co.jp/events/tomioka-kabuki-2020/ -
Celebrate Naruto’s Birthday at Fuji-Q Highland’s Hidden Leaf Village Theme Park Area
03.October.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Naruto Uzumaki’s birthday falls on October 10, so to celebrate, Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park in Yamanashi, Japan, is holding a birthday festival for the titular character of the popular anime series. The event will be held at the park’s Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village area.
Naruto Ramen | ¥1,280 | Available: October 10, 2020 and October 11, 2020
Customers who order the special ramen dish from the ramen bar at the park, which is called Ramen Ichiraku after Naruto’s favourite eatery in the series, will get a huge topping of naruto, a type of Japanese steamed fish-paste cake. Only 100 of these hearty dishes will be served a day.
The park is also holding a social media campaign. If they can reach 7,610 followers—a number which can be read as “na-ru-to” in Japanese—this year, then they’ll hold a lottery for fans to win a special prize.
Naruto Print Cake / Naruto Team 7 Print Cake
Fuji-Q Highland will also serve up two cakes, one with just Naruto and the other with Naruto and the rest of Team 7 including Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi.
Jiraiya / Tsunade / Gaara / ItachiLastly, from the end of November, life-sized portraits of Jiraiya, Tsunade, Gaara, and Itachi will be set up at the park for fans to take photos with.
ⓒMasashi Kishimoto Scott / Shueisha・TV Tokyo・Pierrot
Information
Naruto Uzumaki Birthday Festival 2020 – Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village
Fuji-Q Highland Official Website (English): https://www.fujiq.jp/en/ -
Anime Theme Park Nijigen no Mori Announces New Naruto & Boruto Event
28.August.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO is an area of Nijigen no Mori—an anime theme park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture—with attractions and more based on Naruto and his son Boruto. The park has released information on an upcoming new event in the Naruto and Boruto themed area.
The event in question will celebrate the character Kakashi Hatake’s birthday with a special Kakashi and Obito themed escape game. The game will have park guests running around the park looking for panels with hints on how to progress through the game. Just 30 minutes are needed to complete it, and it’s not too difficult, so anyone can join in.
Guests who buy a ticket will receive one of four limited-edition mini acrylic stands (pictured above) chosen randomly. Exclusive merchandise will also be sold for the event, and there will be photo spots where Naruto and Boruto fans can take a photo next to Kakashi and Obito panels.
Information
Naruto Shippuden x Escape Game: #004 Kakashi & Obito
Running: August 29, 2020 – October 4, 2020
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last Entries 20:00)
Price: ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
*Separate fee to enter Nijigen no Mori chargedNijigen no Mori
Address: 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji, HyogoOfficial Website: https://nijigennomori.com/
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Awaji Island’s Anime Theme Park Nijigen no Mori Announces NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO Summer Events
17.July.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO is an area of Nijigen no Mori—an anime theme park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture—with attractions and more based on Naruto and his son Boruto. The park’s website has posted information about the ninja themed arena’s summer events.
Naruto Shippuden Puzzle Solving Game
To celebrate the birthdays of Sasuke Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha, which fall on July 23 and June 9 respectively, a Sasuke and Itachi themed puzzle solving game will be held at NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO.
The 30-minute game has guests running around the area to find hints written on panels. There are lots of words and illustrations related to Sasuke and Itachi for the game, so it’s a must-experience for fans. Additionally, fans who purchase a ticket will receive one of four possible mini acrylic stands. These are available while supplies last.Running: July 4, 2020 – August 31, 2020
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Reception closes 20:00)
Price: ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
*Separate ticket to enter the park requiredBoruto’s Ennichi
An Ennichi festival will be held themed on Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. There will be six Japanese festival-style yatai carts, traditional Japanese festival games like hitting the target and fishing for water balloons, a workshop to make your own Boruto uchiwa fan, lots of booths for friends and families to have fun, and more. Each booth also is giving out its own unique character stick to visitors. Those who buy a ticket to the event will also receive a Boruto sun visor.
Running: July 23, 2020 – September 30, 2020
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Reception closes 20:00)
Price: ¥500 for 1 turn / ¥1,200 for 3 turns / ¥1,800 for 6 turns (Tax Included)
*Separate ticket to enter the park required
If you’re in Japan this summer, why not spend your time together with the characters from Naruto and Boruto at Nijigen no Mori?
©Masashi Kishimoto Scott / Shueisha・TV Tokyo・Pierrot
Information
Nijigen no Mori
Address: 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji, HyogoOfficial Website: https://nijigennomori.com/
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Jump Force Deluxe Edition Arrives On Nintendo Switch This August
20.June.2020 | ANIME&GAME
The Deluxe Edition of Spike Chunsoft’s fighting game Jump Force published by Bandai Namco Entertainment is set to hit Nintendo Switch on August 27, 2020.
Jump Force is a fighting game that brings together a roster of over 50 characters from popular series the manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump such as One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and many more. The game pits the characters in real world locations like New York and Matterhorn and has players battle it out.
The new trailer showcases some of the unique gameplay features which Nintendo Switch players will be able to enjoy, such as being able to play six-player local multiplayer games. The Nintendo Switch edition is packaged with the full game plus Character Pass 1 which introduces nine new characters into the long roster.
Those who pre-order the physical edition of the game will receive three One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Naruto avatar costumes and Frieza’s pod as pictured below.
©JUMP 50th Anniversary
©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ©2017 NintendoInformation
JUMP FORCE DELUXE EDITION Nintendo Switch™
Release Date: August 27, 2020
Platform: Nintendo Switch™
Official Website: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/jump-force*Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch logo are trademarks of Nintendo.
*YouTube is a trademark Google LLC.
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Japan’s Anime Theme Park Nijigen no Mori Has Naruto, Boruto & Other Exciting Events This June
16.June.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Nijigen no Mori is an anime theme park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. Here’s a list of the latest events running at the park in June.
NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO
NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO is an area of Nijigen no Mori with attractions and more based on Naruto and his son Boruto. The area celebrated its 1st anniversary on April 20, 2020. The park is currently selling anniversary merchandise as well as other exclusive items. Guests who buy a ticket to the park online will receive a free 1st anniversary postcard.
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Reception Closes 20:00)
Price: Adults ¥1,800 / High & Junior High School Students ¥1,800 / Children (Elementary School Students & Younger) ¥500
*Free entry for those aged 3 and belowPrice: ¥1,280 Each (Before Tax) *6 flavours
There are also beverages inspired by characters from the series.
Price: ¥1,050 (Before Tax)
There is also a special ramen dish you can order inspired by the Akatsuki, the biggest threat to the Hidden Leaf Village.
GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°, a hotel and glamping facility located in the area, also opened its new Naruto-themed room on June 1, 2020.
The room, called “Hokage no Bessou” (Hokage’s Villa), is renovated from one of the resort’s buildings, and aims to plunge guests into the world of ninjas. The room takes inspiration from the Hidden Leaf Village and its characters, with references to the series and recreated scenes littered throughout. It also offers exclusive amenities for guests to enjoy.
Guests who stay in the Naruto room receive a free ticket to NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBIZATO at Nijigen no Mori.
ⒸMasashi Kishimoto Scott / Shuiehsa・TV Tokyo・Pierrot
Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park
Over at the Crayon Shin-chan shop in Nijigen no Mori, they’re selling limited quantities of a “Happy Bag” full of Shin-chan merchandise, from picnic cushions to towels and more for a total of six items.
And for the summer season, the last entries to all attractions at Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park have been extended. It’s a chance to work your body while enjoying the green outdoors.Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last Entries 19:30)
Price: Adults ¥4,480 / High & Junior High School Students ¥2,880 / Children (Elementary School Students & Younger) ¥1,180 / Seniors ¥1,440
*Free entry for those aged 4 and below. Please check the official website for weekend and national holiday prices.Phoenix Night Walk
June 21 is Father’s Day, and to celebrate Nijigen no Mori is holding an event on the day based on Osamu Tezuka’s manga Phoenix. Dads can attend the event for free. The park is holding a birthday campaign for June for those whose birthdays were in March, April, and May since they were unable to go out due to isolation, as well as for those whose birthdays are in June.
Date: June 21, 2020
Time: 19:30-20:30
Price: General ¥3,300 (Junior High School Students & Older) / Children ¥1,200 (Aged 5-12)2020年6月21日(日)
営業時間:19:30~20:30(季節により異なる)
*Free entry for those aged 3 and below.Information
Nijigen no Mori
Official Website: https://nijigennomori.com/ -
Naruto Themed Hotel Room Opens at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135° in Japan
02.June.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°, a hotel and glamping facility located in Awaji, Hyogo, opened its new Naruto-themed room on June 1, 2020.
The room, called “Hokage no Bessou” (Hokage’s Villa), is renovated from one of the resort’s buildings, and aims to plunge guests into the world of ninjas.
The room takes inspiration from the Hidden Leaf Village and its characters, with references to the series and recreated scenes littered throughout. It also offers exclusive amenities for guests to enjoy.
Guests who stay in the Naruto room will receive a free ticket to the popular “Naruto & Boruto Shinobi Zato” attraction at the anime theme park Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island where the hotel is located.
ⒸMasashi Kishimoto Scott / Shuiehsa・TV Tokyo・Pierrot
Information
Naruto Collaboration Room “Hokage no Bessou”
Grand Opening: June 1, 2020
Time: Check In 15:00-18:30 / Check Out 11:00
Capacity: 5 people
Price: From ¥93,000 (Before Tax/Service Charge Charged Separately)
Official Website: https://awaji-grandchariot.com/
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Kabuki Cat Mascot Claws Its Way into koe donuts kyoto Collaboration Set
From old shrines and temples to cuisine, Kyoto enjoys a rich arts and culture scene. The former capital is also famed for preserving Japan’s traditional stage drama known as Kabuki. Every year, Minamiza Theatre located on Shijō Street in Kyoto holds a grand Kabuki performance called THE FESTIVE KAOMISE PRODUCTION to commemorate its debut. This year, the performance will run from November 30 – December 26.
To celebrate, koe donuts kyoto will be selling collaboration doughnuts themed around the official Kabuki character “Kabuki Nyantaro” during the same period.
Kabuki Nyantaro’s adorable face decorates some of the doughnuts and can even be seen on the packaging too. This set is exclusive to koe donuts Kyoto.
Enjoy a traditional Kabuki performance with some delicious Kabuki Nyantaro doughnuts to complete your Kyoto experience.
©2017, 2019 SANRIO/SHOCHIKU APPROVAL NO. G603142 著作(株)サンリオ
Information
koe donuts kyoto × Kabuki Nyantaro Collaboration Doughnuts
Selling: November 30 – December 26, 2019
Selling Times: 10:00 – 21:40 (During performance intervals only)
Shop Location: Minamiza Theatre Floor 2, Shijō Street, Kyoto
Box of 6 Doughnuts: ¥1,800 (After Tax)
Information and updates will be posted on koe donuts’ official social media websites.
koe donuts Official Instagram: (@koe_donuts) https://www.instagram.com/koe_donuts/
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miwa’s Boruto Anime Opening Theme ‘Teenage Dream’ Music Video Released
22.November.2019 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
The short version of miwa’s music video for her new song has been released. Entitled Teenage Dream, the song serves as the new opening theme for the ongoing TV anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
As the song title suggests, Teenage Dream touches on teenage-hood with its positive forward-facing outlook. Written specifically for Boruto, the melodic rock track features lead guitar from former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman.
miwa – “Teenage Dream” Music Video (Short Ver.)
The video was directed by Matajiro Kazeno who also worked on the music video for miwa’s song about a broken heart Yozora feat. hazzie. It stars 16-year-old up-and-coming actress Nanoka Hara and was shot in Fukushi, which looks out onto the Seto Inland Sea, and Takehara, two cities in in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The staff acquired cooperation from the locals to shoot in the beautiful location. The video’s theme touches on the bittersweet-ness of youth and dreams. At the video’s climax, we see a live scene shot at Mirokunosato, a theme park in the foothills of Fujiecho. The winter illuminations of the park are an annual celebration, and were set up for the shooting of the video. Nanoka Hara plays the part of miwa and captures the time when miwa had her long hair when she debuted. miwa herself doesn’t actually appear in the video.
Teenage Dream is part of the upcoming double A-side single Storyteller/Teenage Dream which is set to hit shelves on December 25, 2019. First press copies are coupled with a DVD featuring the music video, as well as a bonus live track. The single is now available on major music download and streaming services ahead of the physical CD’s release.
Speaking about the music video, director Matajiro Kazeno commented: “The dreams and straight-forward emotions of your teens are about moving forward while wrapped in friendships and love and experiencing both happy and sad things. That’s the kind of music video we made, which was shot at Mirokunosato in Tadanoumicho at the Seto Inland Sea of Hiroshima Prefecture. Please enjoy Nanoka Hara’s refreshing and lively acting, which is like the rolling winds, together with miwa’s singing.”
Information
miwa – New Single “Storyteller/Teenage Dream”
Release Date: December 25, 2019
First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD): ¥1,800 (Before Tax) [SRCL-11383~4]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥1,100 (Before Tax) [SRCL-11386]
Limited Pressing Edition (CD Only): ¥1,200 (Before Tax) [SRCL-11385] *Features Boruto CD cover
miwa – “Teenage Dream” Digital Download/Stream: https://miwa.lnk.to/7Lnxi
Purchase (Japan): https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/sear/searKbmjRenewal.php
miwa Official Website: http://www.miwa-web.com/
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Official Website: http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/boruto/